A week or so ago, I had a wondrous discovery. I had been hanging out with my mom and talking about running. I should explain that my mom is a crazy good runner. She ran 16 miles today no big deal. Also, she is REALLY into it. When she's falling asleep at night she thinks about her run for the next day and gets excited.
Because of her enthusiasm for it, she loves to talk to me about running. I like to run. I do not love it. I am not crazy good at it.
This created a tension between us because she wanted to talk about running and be excited, and I did not. I kept being bugged with myself, thinking, "Why am I so bugged that mom wants to talk about running? It shouldn't bug me." And she knew something was weird too.
Then one day, a few weeks ago, I went running with my friend Kathleen and talked about it. She made me realize that I like to run if it can be non-structured and casual and kind of spontaneous. I don't like keeping track of time or mileage. I just like to go.
I realize it's not sounding that amazing here, but it was a life-changing moment for me.
I left the track and called my mom and said, "Mom. I figured it out. Why it was bugging me to talk about running."
Then I told her how I have 2 jobs and I have school, and I don't want my running to become super scheduled and strict. I just want to go.
For my mom it works out really well to stick to a regimen, but for me it does not.
Since this point my runs have become much better. I haven't worried about how fast or slow I'm going, I'm just happy to go and listen to music and run.
And it's fabulous.
And I'm sorry I lied and said I had a huge fight to tell. If you know my mom, you probably figured it was a lie anyway. She's super nice and would never fight with me, even if I wanted to.
Anyway, does anyone else have interesting exercise philosophies to share? I'm searching for even more ways to love working out.
5 comments:
I use a Wii Fit to exercise because then I don't have to brave snow and ice. When it is good weather I do stuff with Sean outside. Like push his stroller around the neighborhood. But I'm not a fan of running most of the time.
What makes me really excited about exercise is feeling my heart beating really hard. It makes me think things like "My heart is so awesome!" and "I love that this will make my heart beat longer!" and also "My heart is the best! It is SO STRONG!" because I have to be excited about something when I can't breathe, right?
Erin I already talked to you about this, but again I say, I'm exactly the same way. If I can just listen to my music and run to it and enjoy the beat, and the sun on my face as I run -- I love it. I'm glad you found a way to love it too.
I have begun to lift weights and I am really getting into it. I like feeling sore the next day and lifting anyway! I usually run on the nordic track for 30 mintues, but I can't wait to get off that dumb machine and pump some iron! I know its weird. But soon I will be strong and you will see.
Biggest Loser also inspires me. It is amazing how hard you can work your body. It's no frail thing.
my comment has solely to do with your lie about your fight with your mom...i KNEW it!
as soon as i read about this supposed fight, i was in disbelief. i was like, "what???? i thought erin and her mom were like best friends! they can't get in fights!"
but thanks for keeping us on bated breath, like you said. :)
p.s. i miss your mom and how she always uses the word "peeps."
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